Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

The Mechanical Design Engineer will design and develop custom material handling and conveyor systems for automotive manufacturing facilities. In this role, you will play a key part in engineering conveyor equipment, transfer systems, lifts, carriers, and automated mechanisms that move parts throughout the manufacturing process. You will combine hands-on mechanical design expertise with a solid engineering foundation to perform calculations, equipment sizing, component selection, and analysis for complex automation and material handling solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design custom conveyor and material handling systems using Autodesk Inventor to meet customer and project requirements.
• Develop accurate 3D models, assemblies, fabrication drawings, and detailed manufacturing documentation for production and installation.
• Design and engineer conveyor systems, lift stations, transfer mechanisms, carriers, and automated equipment used in automotive manufacturing environments.
• Perform engineering calculations related to structural integrity, load capacities, drive systems, and overall equipment performance.
• Conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate designs, ensure structural soundness, and optimize performance and reliability.
• Size and select motors, gearboxes, bearings, actuators, and other mechanical components appropriate for the application and operating conditions.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and customers throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful execution.
• Support equipment installation and commissioning by providing design clarification and addressing technical issues as needed.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and design-related problems in the field and propose effective engineering solutions.
• Ensure all designs comply with customer specifications, safety requirements, and applicable engineering standards and best practices.
• Participate actively in design reviews, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering team.

Essential Skills

• Proven mechanical design experience with custom machine design, conveyor systems, industrial automation equipment, or material handling systems.
• Hands-on proficiency with Autodesk Inventor for 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed mechanical drawings, or strong experience with SolidWorks and willingness to learn Inventor.
• Strong mechanical engineering foundation, including the ability to perform engineering calculations for structural integrity, load capacities, and drive systems.
• Experience conducting Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate and optimize mechanical designs.
• Demonstrated ability to size and select motors, gearboxes, bearings, actuators, and other mechanical components for automation and material handling applications.
• Ability to design and engineer conveyor equipment, lift stations, transfer mechanisms, carriers, and automated mechanisms used in manufacturing environments.
• Effective collaboration skills for working with project managers, manufacturing teams, suppliers, and customers.
• Ability to support installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of mechanical and automation equipment.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or at least 15 years of experience in mechanical design engineering in automation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with automation equipment including robotics, conveyors, and other industrial automation systems.
• Machine design for manufacturing and material handling applications.
• Mechanical engineering education with exposure to industrial automation and equipment design.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce clear, complete fabrication and manufacturing documentation.
• Comfort working within a large engineering team and participating in design reviews and continuous improvement activities.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new design tools and technologies, including transitioning from SolidWorks to Inventor if needed.
• Interest in long-term career growth into a permanent engineering role within a growing design team.

Work Environment

The role is based at a large, modern headquarters facility in Novi, MI, within a sizable engineering team that currently includes around 15 design engineers and is expected to grow with upcoming projects. You will work primarily on site for the first 3 to 6 months to gain familiarity with the equipment, processes, and team, after which the position can transition to a hybrid schedule with three days in the office and two days remote each week. The environment is professional and collaborative, with access to advanced engineering tools such as Autodesk Inventor and related analysis software, and close interaction with other divisions in the shared building. The position is structured as a long-term opportunity with a strong potential to transition into a permanent role.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Novi, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $55.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Novi, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.